Piety and Plurality

by Glenn Thomas Miller

2014 · Wipf and Stock Publishers

I began studying American theological education in the 1970s, and Piety and Plurality is the third of three studies. In Piety and Intellect, I examined the colonial and nineteenth-century search for a form of theological education that was true to the church's confessional traditions and responsible to the intellectual demands of the age. In Piety and Profession, I described how that model was modified under the impact of the new biblical criticism and by the American belief in professionalism. In this volume, I have tried to bring the story up to date. Unfortunately, I did not find one unifying theme for the period. Rather, theological education seemed to move forward on a number of different levels, each with its own story. Here I have tried to capture some of the dynamics of this movement and to indicate how theological educators have struggled with the plurality in their midst. In the process, theological education has learned to live with its contradictions and problems. As important as the stories are, however, there is also the story of the schools' struggles to live in the midst of a constant financial crisis that checked development at every stage.

The Quest for a Lost Race

by Thomas Edward Pickett

2023 · Good Press

In 'The Quest for a Lost Race' by Thomas Edward Pickett, the reader is taken on a captivating journey through an intricate and well-researched exploration of ancient civilizations. Pickett's meticulous attention to historical detail and evocative storytelling style bring to life the mystery and allure of a lost civilization, engaging the reader in a quest for knowledge and discovery. Set against the backdrop of an unknown land and time, this book blends elements of fantasy and history to create a compelling narrative that will thrill and intrigue readers of all backgrounds. Pickett's vivid descriptions and rich imagery transport the reader to a world filled with ancient wonders and enigmatic artifacts, making 'The Quest for a Lost Race' a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and adventure tales. Thomas Edward Pickett's background in archaeology and anthropology shines through in this literary masterpiece, showcasing his expertise and passion for unraveling the secrets of the past. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for weaving together fact and fiction, Pickett delivers a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Worse Than a Monolith

by Thomas J. Christensen

2011 · Princeton University Press

In brute-force struggles for survival, such as the two World Wars, disorganization and divisions within an enemy alliance are to one's own advantage. However, most international security politics involve coercive diplomacy and negotiations short of all-out war. Worse Than a Monolith demonstrates that when states are engaged in coercive diplomacy--combining threats and assurances to influence the behavior of real or potential adversaries--divisions, rivalries, and lack of coordination within the opposing camp often make it more difficult to prevent the onset of conflict, to prevent existing conflicts from escalating, and to negotiate the end to those conflicts promptly. Focusing on relations between the Communist and anti-Communist alliances in Asia during the Cold War, Thomas Christensen explores how internal divisions and lack of cohesion in the two alliances complicated and undercut coercive diplomacy by sending confusing signals about strength, resolve, and intent. In the case of the Communist camp, internal mistrust and rivalries catalyzed the movement's aggressiveness in ways that we would not have expected from a more cohesive movement under Moscow's clear control. Reviewing newly available archival material, Christensen examines the instability in relations across the Asian Cold War divide, and sheds new light on the Korean and Vietnam wars. While recognizing clear differences between the Cold War and post-Cold War environments, he investigates how efforts to adjust burden-sharing roles among the United States and its Asian security partners have complicated U.S.-China security relations since the collapse of the Soviet Union.